The appointment of a serving military officer, Commodore Aminu Shehu, as Chief of Staff in Rivers State Government House has sparked outrage and fears of a creeping militarization of the state government.
Critics, including former commissioners and civil society groups like the Ijaw Youth Council (Worldwide), argue that the appointment, coupled with the dismissal of all state officials by the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, signals a concerning trend.
Former Commissioner Ibim Semenitari Criticized the appointment as superfluous, highlighting the existence of a permanent secretary who already fulfills the role. She emphasized that a serving military officer is ill-suited to manage a civilian government.
Former Commissioner for Information and Communication, Chris Finebone expressed disbelief and concern about the appointment, calling it a “huge error” with potential dangers for the future.
APC Chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze viewed the appointment as part of a wider pattern of illegality, stemming from the President’s appointment of the Sole Administrator.
Some civil society groups accused the Sole Administrator of a deliberate attempt to militarize the state, citing the dismissal of all officials and the appointment of military personnel.
But the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface argued that the appointment was a response to the current state of emergency, with the Sole Administrator feeling more secure with military personnel around him.
The appointment of a serving military officer as Chief of Staff in Rivers State has amplified anxieties about the militarization of the state’s governance. While some see it as a necessary measure in a period of emergency, others view it as a dangerous step towards eroding democratic norms and undermining civilian authority.
The appointment, coupled with the previous dismissals, raises questions about the true direction of the state government and its commitment to civilian rule. Whether this appointment represents a temporary measure or a permanent shift towards a more militarized approach remains a cause for concern and debate.
